New leader, strategy shift for downtown agency

STOCKTON - The Downtown Stockton Alliance has a new leader and a new direction.

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By Kevin Parrish

recordnet.com

By Kevin Parrish

Posted Nov. 29, 2012 at 12:01 AM

By Kevin Parrish
Posted Nov. 29, 2012 at 12:01 AM

» Social News

STOCKTON - The Downtown Stockton Alliance has a new leader and a new direction.

Thirty-one-year-old Emily Baime is the organization's fourth chief executive in five years. She was appointed general manager Wednesday by a unanimous vote of the alliance's board of directors.

"This is a good thing," said Mahesh Ranchhod, 66, a downtown property owner and board chairman. "We need an enthusiastic leader."

Baime replaces 57-year-old Tim Kerr, who held the title of executive director for 21/2 years. His resignation wasn't voluntary, according to board members and staffers.

Kerr was hired by the alliance in April 2010, despite being fired as city manager of Turlock a year earlier. He had been paid $96,764 annually.

The alliance serves 1,200 central-city property owners and managers.

"It's really important that people see that we're more responsive to their needs," said Baime, who has been economic development director. "We have been a bit of an island. Outreach has been missing."

Promoting her is only part of an overall strategy shift.

The 15-year-old alliance, operating with a budget of just over $1.1 million, is redirecting its resources Jan. 1, when $325,000 will be earmarked for two full-time downtown Stockton Police Department bicycle officers, two part-time officers and additional private security.

"We've lost eight officers downtown," Ranchhod said. "We need to focus on security. We have to make downtown safer."

Crime has become an intractable Stockton problem since the police force has been reduced. There have been a record-breaking 66 homicides so far this year, seven of them downtown.

Events designed to bring residents into the city's core will continue, but Baime said the alliance's role in each will be re-examined.

When 2013 begins, the full-time staff will consist of Baime and five others. There also is an army of volunteers. To make room in the new budget for police officers dedicated to downtown, the position of marketing manager Chris Kotsoglou was eliminated.

Board members praised his performance but said the decision was unfortunately necessary.